When initially reported over the summer, there was a fear that Tyson Foerster could miss the start of the season. There was concern that it could cost him at least three months, which would be a significant setback for a player seeking to take the next step. But the Flyers were quickly able to settle those fears, and expected Foerster would be able to participate at some point during camp.
And after skating on his own and shedding the no-contact jersey recently, Foerster is slated to make his preseason debut in the Flyers' fifth game. He'll join the team in Boston for the second straight matchup against the Bruins. And with two more games to go after this, it's safe to say that Foerster should have time to ramp up into game speed.
And for now, he'll be able to do that with some familiar linemates. In a lineup full of roster hopefuls, Foerster will join Bobby Brink and Noah Cates as the top trio against the Bruins. The three created instant chemistry with each other last year and were often the Flyers' most consistent line.
Having Foerster jump back into game action with two familiar faces should help get him back into the swing of things. There's no guarantee that the same success will follow them. So they'll have to keep putting in the work. But even though this is Rick Tocchet's first look at the trio, he's excited about what he's seen thus far.
“I heard a lot about that line last year, chemistry-wise,” Rick Tocchet said after Monday's skate. “I know it’s a small sample size, just in the morning skate, you ask for something, they do it. They're pretty detailed. Coaches love guys like that because it kind of sets the pace."
Foerster's poised to take another step forward offensively after finishing last season with career-highs across the board. He was second on the team in goals (25), just behind Matvei Michkov's 26. He played nearly every game, a sign of health and durability.
He also comes with a ringing endorsement from a star NHL forward. A part of Canada for the World Championship this past summer, Foerster had the chance to be teammates with Sidney Crosby. And he impressed the veteran with his efforts.
"Over at the World Championships, Sidney Crosby called me and told me that he loved him. Off the ice---a sponge. When you hear that from one of the best players, that a guy on your team he really likes...he even said that about Noah Cates. Pretty good endorsement." Tocchet said.
Nothing gets better than that if you're a young NHLer making your way in the league. For Foerster, it's about putting all of the pieces together in a more consistent way. If he can turn into a consistent scorer, the Flyers could roll out multiple lines with offensive power.
Offseason elbow injury behind him, Foerster can now focus on the season ahead. And hopefully, it's full speed ahead from here.